The Metropolitan
27 Thanon South Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand, 10120
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#2 of 4
expert-rated hotels in Bangkok- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Couples, Foodies, Honeymooners, Singles, Chilling out, Trendiness
Expert review of The Metropolitan
Sleek, contemporary, Zen-minimalist city sleeps in the Silom-Sathorn area.
If nahm restaurant wasn’t reason enough to stay at the Metropolitan – foodies will want to dine at Chef David Thompson’s temple to Thai cuisine at least twice – then the chic contemporary rooms, COMO Shambhala spa, and seductive swimming pool should be. Wear something smart when you check in or you might feel underdressed in the presence of the hotel’s designer-clad staff – and if you’re not packing heels and a suit, then these sleek digs are probably not for you.
Location:
The hotel may be located on busy South Sathorn Road, but as it’s set back from the traffic, it’s peaceful and quiet. Sathorn Road is not exactly a pleasure to stroll, but Lumpini Park, which is a five-minute walk away, certainly is. There are terrific wine bars and restaurants, such as Eat Me, nearby on Convent and Sala Daeng roads and the sleazy Patpong nightlife isn’t far away if you’re curious.
Bedrooms:
There are four room types and three different suites and all are spacious and light-filled, with clean lines, lots of white and cream, and teak wood features. The rooms are very understated thanks to designer Kathryn Kng who is behind boutiques for Armani, Miyake and Dior. I stayed in a Studio room last time and loved the Thai silk pillows, Egyptian cotton sheets, and goose-down duvets, and appreciated the iron and ironing board. Other thoughtful touches include green tea and Thai fruits delivered to the room on arrival, and yoga mats and a CD library.
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Public areas:
The lobby is big and airy and brilliant for people watching, but it’s not the kind of area where you want to linger, which is a shame.
Eating and drinking:
Thai restaurant nahm by legendary chef David Thompson, who was the first chef to earn a Michelin star for Thai cuisine at nahm in London, is the best excuse for checking into the Metropolitan, but you’ll need to book a table well in advance of your stay. GLOW is the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant, serving up fresh, healthy “wellness cuisine”, while The Met Bar is what should be the hotel’s hipster hangout only, bewilderingly, in all my visits I’ve never seen more than three people there.
Leisure facilities:
That the hotel is home to a COMO Shambhala spa should suffice, but there’s also a light-filled gym with state-of-the-art equipment, private fitness instructors on hand to put you through your paces, and complimentary daily classes for hotel guests. Not to mention an inviting 20-metre swimming pool that’s a delight to cool down in after a day pounding Bangkok’s pavements. My only gripe is that nahm restaurant looks onto the pool area.
Service:
In their immaculate Comme des Garçon threads, the Metropolitan’s staff used to be too cool for their own good and service was a tad offhand – unusual for the ‘land of smiles’ – yet they seem to have warmed up over the years. Still, don’t expect an enthusiastic welcome from the reception staff, who seem to be more interested in their computer screens than guests.
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Who stays there:
Style-conscious travellers, shopaholics who want to parade their purchases, creative types doing business in Bangkok, and, since the opening of nahm in mid-2010, foodies.
Pros:
Cool contemporary vibe; stylish, soothing atmosphere
David Thompson’s divine Thai restaurant nahm
Cons:
No buzzy bar – The Met has never worked and needs an overhaul
Staff can occasionally be cold
More information on The Metropolitan:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 27 Thanon South Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand, 10120
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
- Neighbourhood:
- Sathorn
